We can and should keep our children out of situations where they will be wrongly influenced when that is possible, but we should also equip them to handle those situation when they are in them. We should teach our children how to discern right from wrong, how to make good decisions, and how to share Jesus with their friends.
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15
I remember when I was in elementary school my best friend Deana was Jewish. To me this girl was "set apart". I was fascinated by her different lifestyle and the different holidays her family celebrated, and the way they celebrated. As a result I asked a lot of questions. Our kids go to school with kids who have many different beliefs and many different Gods. Our culture is blending many beliefs (including Christian beliefs) into a universal religion that is all inclusive and looks the same no matter what. Do our kids appear "set apart" as Deana did to me? Is there a difference in their lifestyle, activities, and celebrations or does it look just like everyone else?
I remember one day Word Girl was telling me that satan was Jesus' brother. Where did she get that inaccurate bit of information? From a friend at school. Children aren't afraid to talk to each other about their beliefs. They are going to influence each other, and I think sometimes we forget that God can use our children just as effectively (if not more so) to plant seeds, as He can use us adults.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Jeremiah 1:5
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
10 comments:
I so agree that God can use children to plant the seeds, too! So glad Word Girl came home and talked to you about what she had heard!
Children don't yet have that fear of what others will think when they speak freely about their faith so if we can equip OUR children with the true knowledge of God think how powerful that could be.
Great post my friend.
Hugs
Kim
You're right- kids actually like talking about faith. It was certainly true for Pilgrim when he was in the public high school for four years. So I say give them as much as possible to work with- so they will be ready for those conversations.
Fash and I read a non-fiction, Christian book together out loud, one right after the other. This year's line-up has included recently: Dug Down Deep, Unearthing What you Believe and Why it Matters, by Joshua Harris, Counterfeit Gods, but Timothy Keller and our current book, The Christian Atheist, by Craig Groeschel.
Fash is off to college four hours away in a few short months: we're reinforcing the Truth as part of her college prep. She enjoys the reads as much as I do.
I love that verse in I Peter because of its focus on gentleness and respect. As Christians, we value our salvation and God's Word so much, but in our zeal, sometimes we go too far with those who don't have the same "ears." We need to always "be ready" but we don't need to be ready to pounce!
Great words. Our kids need to know WHERE to go to find the truth. We want them to come to us, but ultimately, they need to know how to use the Bible. We need to teach them, by showing them the scriptures of truth.
For Word Girl - John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." One & only son. No brothers. The answer is clearly in Scripture. Showing is often better than telling.
Great post.
Very true. Not only that, but if they grow up that way it will be easier to witness to people when they're older.
If we are to impart knowledge with our kids, what better way than to instill a reverential fear for the Lord. "For fear of the Lord comes knowledge." -Prov.1:7
And that's what He wants anyway. For us to tell our children about Him. God bless you sister and what a great godly teacher you are to your grandkids! Especially now, where there is too many confusions and truth is being probed when it doesn't need to be. It is the truth! And one just needs to accept it!
A very timely post right now in the days we are living in. I'm so glad mine are grown and know the truth. My grandchildren have a Godly father and my youngest daughter a Godly husband. I am so thankful that God answered my prayers a long time ago.
I know it has always been my intent to teach and model for my children a life that is "set apart."
How wonderful it would be to see a whole generation like this for the Lord!
Friendship and conversation continues to be the prime way of moving others into the Christian camp.
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